Committee weighs problem-gambling funding, iGaming oversight and a proposed solution trust fund
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Summary
Lawmakers, committee members and witnesses told the interim committee that problem gambling is growing; proposals included shifting oversight to revenue, creating a gambling-solution trust fund to cover prevention and treatment, and coordinating iGaming jurisdiction across committees.
Lawmakers and members of the public urged the joint revenue committee to investigate problem gambling and funding for prevention and treatment during an interim session on March 7, saying current resources are inadequate and that regulatory responsibility for iGaming should be clarified.
Senator Case recounted encounters with people harmed by gambling addiction and turned his time over to a witness to explain needs on the ground. A committee member proposed taxing gambling machines and internet gaming and using the proceeds to create a "gambling solution trust fund" to pay for prevention, treatment and law-enforcement impacts. "I'm proposing that we have a gambling solution trust fund created that would address all addictions, not just gambling," the speaker said, urging a comprehensive revenue stream to support services.
Legislators debated where oversight should reside: some said iGaming regulation should remain with the standing gaming committee while the revenue committee should examine taxation and funding mechanisms. Members agreed to take up educational briefings and tax-focused study during the interim rather than immediate legislation.
Why it matters: Committee members described rising problem gaming and sparse treatment resources in some counties, and flagged that taxation and the regulatory framework need clearer alignment if revenue is to be used for prevention and treatment.
Next steps: Committee indicated it would include problem gaming and HHR/taxation of gaming devices in its interim work plan and invited gaming-commission staff and stakeholders for educational briefings.
